The skydiving world is smaller today with the departure early this morning of David Hersey. If you ever met him, it's unlikely you have forgotten him. Dave was a regular at New England DZs -- CT, MA, and finally Lebanon, ME. You may have remembered him by his long hair and beard -- some thought it a Christ-like appearance. Or you may remember him as the only rigger in the area who gladly packed SSTs and Racers when others found them too challenging. Or you may remember him as adventurous in his choice of canopies -- one of the first in the area to jump a Jonathan. Or you may remember him as a Justice of the Peace, who married many skydiving couples. Dave spent much of his life as a personal assistant -- helping disabled people with every part of their lives. So it was ironic that several years ago he was diagnosed with ALS -- "Lew Gehrig's Disease" -- which left him in a wheelchair but didn't affect his spirit He remained cheerful to his last days, sending New Year's greetings to his many friends on Facebook. He's donated his body to ALS research, and has asked for an ash dive -- with glitter -- when the snow melts in the northern New England he so loved.

I'm glad you posted that picture. Dave was one of those guys that I usually only saw at the WFFC once a year, and I never seemed to be able to remember his name. Very nice guy. I remember seeing him at the 2007 PIA Symposium when he was in a wheelchair and told me of his disease. He retained a very good attitude about it.

He sold me my first rig, a big 'ol black and purple Raven III in a Racer. Pull-out, of course. I still have it, even though I haven't jumped in years. I will cherish it, and my friendship with him, forever.